Game controller with removable paddle accessory

ABSTRACT

A game controller includes a grip, one or more finger-actuatable controls on the grip, and a rim located on the grip. The rim defines an aperture. The game controller further includes a paddle-actuatable sensor accessible through the aperture and a pivot spaced apart from the aperture. The pivot is configured to removably affix a selected paddle accessory to the game controller and to translate a touch applied to the selected paddle accessory outside of the aperture to an actuation of the paddle-actuatable sensor inside the aperture.

BACKGROUND

A user input control device, such as a game controller may be used toprovide user input to control an object or a character in a video gameor to provide some other form of control. A game controller may includevarious types of controls that may be configured to be manipulated by afinger to provide different types of user input. Non-limiting examplesof such controls may include push buttons, triggers, touch pads,joysticks, paddles, bumpers, and directional pads. The various controlsmay be manipulated to provide control signals that may be mapped todifferent operations in a video game.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore,the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solveany or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

A game controller includes a grip, one or more finger-actuatablecontrols on the grip, and a rim located on the grip. The rim defines anaperture. The game controller further includes a paddle-actuatablesensor accessible through the aperture and a pivot spaced apart from theaperture. The pivot is configured to removably affix a selected paddleaccessory to the game controller and to translate a touch applied to theselected paddle accessory outside of the aperture to an actuation of thepaddle-actuatable sensor inside the aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a bottom of a game controller with a plurality of paddleaccessories affixed to the game controller.

FIG. 2 shows a front of the game controller of FIG. 1 with the pluralityof paddle accessories affixed to the game controller.

FIG. 3 shows a back of the game controller of FIG. 1 without theplurality of paddle accessories affixed to the game controller.

FIG. 4 shows a back of the game controller of FIG. 1 with the pluralityof paddle accessories affixed to the game controller.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of an example paddle accessory affixed tothe game controller of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a printed circuit board of the gamecontroller of FIG. 1 when the plurality of paddle accessories areaffixed to the game controller.

FIG. 7-9 show an example approach for removably affixing the paddleaccessory of FIG. 5 to a pivot including a magnet.

FIGS. 10-11 shows the paddle accessory of FIG. 5 rotating to apply anactuation force to a paddle-actuatable sensor responsive to a touchforce being applied to the paddle accessory.

FIG. 12 shows another example pivot including a magnet.

FIG. 13 shows another example pivot including a spring-biased hook.

FIGS. 14-15 show an example approach for removably affixing a paddleaccessory to the pivot of FIG. 13.

FIGS. 16-17 show another example paddle accessory including a magnet.

FIG. 18 shows another example pivot including a spring-biased hinge.

FIG. 19 shows another example pivot including a magnetic hinge.

FIGS. 20-21 shown another example paddle accessory and pivotconfiguration.

FIG. 22 shows an example paddle accessory.

FIG. 23 shows another example paddle accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some game controllers include a plurality of controls (e.g., joystick,directional pad, action buttons) located on a thumb-side of the gamecontroller. These controls may be configured to be manually manipulatedby thumbs of a user gripping the game controller with two hands. In sucha configuration, during the course of gameplay, a scenario may occurwhere a user desires to manipulate multiple controls with the samethumb. For example, a user may want to press an action button while atthe same time manipulating a joystick. In this scenario, the user may beforced to take his thumb off the joystick in order to press the actionbutton, and the joystick may move away from a desired manipulationposture, thus reducing control accuracy.

Furthermore, some game controllers may include a plurality of controlslocated on a finger-side of the game controller that opposes thethumb-side of the game controller. The plurality of controls located onthe finger-side may be configured to be manipulated by fingers otherthan thumbs (e.g., middle fingers, ring fingers, pinky fingers) of auser gripping the game controller with two hands. In some cases, theplurality of controls located on the finger-side and some of the actionbuttons located on the thumb-side may be actuated to generate controlsignals that are mapped to the same game operations. Such aconfiguration can alleviate the scenario where the user has to removetheir thumb from the joystick to press an action button, for example.Instead, the user can press a corresponding control on the finger-sideof the game controller using a finger other than the thumb, so that thethumb can remain on the joystick.

Typically, such game controllers are shaped/sized to fit an average handsize of a population of users. Likewise, the controls located on thefinger-side that are integral to the game controller may be designedaccording to a “one size fits all” approach. However, users may havepreferences on the shape, size, position and texture of such controlsthat differ from the standard controls that are integral to the gamecontroller. Moreover, some users may prefer to manipulate controls onjust the thumb-side of the game controller without having controlslocated on the finger-side of the game controller.

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to paddle accessoriesconfigured to be removably affixable to a game controller without theuse of tools. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a gamecontroller including a plurality of pivots configured to removably affixa selected number of paddle accessories to the game controller. Eachpivot may be configured to translate a touch applied to a correspondingpaddle accessory to an actuation of a paddle-actuatable sensor.

Such a game controller may enable a different number (e.g., 0, 2, 4) ofpaddle accessories to be removably affixed to the game controller.Moreover, the game controller may enable differently configured paddleaccessories to be quickly and easily swapped on the game controllerwithout the use of tools. For example, such a configuration mayfacilitate the use of differently configured paddle accessories (e.g.,having a different size or different orientation) by different users.

FIGS. 1-4 show an example user input control device in the form of agame controller 100. The game controller 100 may be configured totranslate user input into control signals that are provided to acomputing device, such as a gaming console. The control signals may bemapped to commands to control a video game or perform other operations.For example, the game controller 100 may be configured to send controlsignals via a wired or wireless connection with a computing device.

The game controller 100 includes a grip 101 configured to be held withtwo hands. As such, the grip 101 includes a left-hand portion 102configured to be gripped by a left hand and a right-hand portion 104configured to be gripped by a right hand. The right-hand portion 104 mayoppose the left-hand portion 102. Further, a central portion 106 may bepositioned intermediate the left-hand portion 102 and the right-handportion 104.

When a user holds the controller with two hands such that the left handgrips the left-hand portion 102 and the right hand grips the right-handportion 104, the user's thumbs may naturally interface with a thumb-side108 of the grip 101. Further, the user's fingers other than the thumb(e.g., at least a ring finger and a pinky finger) may interface with afinger-side 110 of the grip 101.

The game controller 100 includes a plurality of controls 112 configuredto generate different control signals responsive to finger manipulation.The plurality of controls 112 may be integral to the game controller 100such that the controls cannot be removed without dismantling the gamecontroller 100. Although in some implementations, one or more of theplurality of controls 112 may be removably affixable to the gamecontroller 100.

In the depicted implementation, the plurality of controls 112 includes aplurality of action buttons 114 (e.g., 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D, 114E,114F, 114G, 114H, and 114I), a plurality of joysticks 116 (e.g., a leftjoystick 116A and a right joystick 116B), a plurality of triggers 118(e.g., a left trigger 118A and a right trigger 118B), and a directionalpad 120. A majority of the controls are positioned on the thumb-side 108of the game controller 100 (e.g., the plurality of triggers 118 arepositioned intermediate the thumb-side 108 and the finger-side 110). Assuch, the plurality of controls 112 typically may be manipulated by auser's thumbs. Although, in some cases, a user may manipulate one ormore of the plurality of controls 112 with an index finger. The gamecontroller 100 may include any suitable number of controls. The gamecontroller 100 may include any suitable type of controls.

A printed circuit board 122 may be located in an interior cavity 200(shown in FIG. 5) of the grip 101. The printed circuit board 122 mayinclude a plurality of electronic input sensors 124. The plurality ofelectronic input sensors 124 may correspond to the plurality of controls112. In particular, each electronic input sensor may be configured togenerate a control signal responsive to interaction with a correspondingcontrol.

For example, each of the plurality of action buttons 114 may beconfigured to activate a corresponding electronic input sensor togenerate a control signal responsive to being depressed (e.g., viafinger manipulation). In another example, each of the plurality ofjoysticks 116 may interact with electronic input sensors in the form ofpotentiometers that use continuous electrical activity to provide ananalog input control signal based on a position of the joystick inrelation to a default “center” position. In another example, each of thetriggers 118 may be configured to interact with an electronic inputsensor to provide a variable control signal based on a position of thetrigger relative to a default position. For example, as a trigger ispulled farther away from the default position, a characteristic of thegenerated control signal may increase in magnitude. In another example,the directional pad 120 may be configured to activate differentelectronic input sensors corresponding to different directions (e.g.,up, down, left, right) responsive to the directional pad being depressedin the different directions.

Non-limiting examples of electronic input sensors may include domeswitches, tactile switches, potentiometers, Hall Effect sensors, andother electronic sensing components. The game controller 100 may includeany suitable number of electronic input sensors. The game controller 100may include any suitable type of electronic input sensors.

The game controller 100 includes a plurality of pivots 126 (e.g., 126A,126B, 126C, 126D of FIG. 3) accessible on the finger-side 110 of thegrip 101. The plurality of pivots 126 may be configured to removablyaffix a plurality of paddle accessories 128 (e.g., 128A, 128B, 128C,128D) to the game controller 100. In particular, each pivot 126 may beconfigured to selectively mate with a mounting interface 202 (shown inFIG. 5) of a selected paddle accessory 128 to removably affix theselected paddle accessory 128 to the game controller 100.

In the depicted implementation, the plurality of pivots 126 are locatedin the interior cavity 200 of the grip 101. A plurality of pivot rims130 (e.g., 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D of FIG. 3) located on the grip 101form a plurality of pivot apertures 132 (e.g., 132A, 132B, 132C, 132D)through which the plurality of pivots 126 are accessible to interfacewith selected paddle accessories. In particular, a selected paddleaccessory 128 may be inserted into a selected pivot aperture 132 tointerface with a selected pivot 126 to removably affix the selectedpaddle accessory 128 to the game controller 100.

The plurality of pivots 126 may be recessed from the plurality of pivotapertures 133. Moreover, each pivot aperture 132 may be sized to preventadmittance of a finger through the pivot aperture 132. In other words,the pivot aperture 132 can be sized such that a finger cannot passthrough the aperture into the interior cavity 200 of the grip 101.Accordingly, when a paddle accessory is not removably affixed to aselected pivot, the selected pivot 126 does not interfere with fingersof a user holding the game controller 100.

The game controller 100 includes a plurality of paddle-actuatablesensors 134 (e.g., 134A, 134B, 134C, 134D of FIG. 3) located on theprinted circuit board 122. A plurality of sensor rims 136 (e.g., 136A,136D, 136D of FIG. 3) may be located on the grip 101 and spaced apartfrom the plurality of pivot rims 130. The plurality of sensor rims 136may form a plurality of sensor apertures 138 (e.g., 138A, 138B, 138C,138D of FIG. 3) through which the plurality of paddle-actuatable sensors134 are accessible to interface with selected paddle accessories. Inparticular, when a selected paddle accessory 128 is removably affixed toa selected pivot 126, a touch force applied to the selected paddleaccessory 128 outside the apertures of the game controller 100 (e.g.,the plurality of pivot apertures 132 and the plurality of sensorapertures 138) may be translated to an actuation force applied by theselected paddle accessory 128 to a corresponding paddle-actuatablesensor 134. The plurality of paddle accessories 128 each may include asensor activation feature 140 (e.g., 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D of FIG. 2)configured to interface with a corresponding paddle-actuatable sensor134 to apply the actuation force when the selected paddle accessory 128rotates responsive to the touch force.

The plurality of paddle-actuatable sensors 134 may be recessed from theplurality of sensor apertures 138. Moreover, each sensor aperture 138may be sized to prevent admittance of a finger through the sensoraperture 138. In other words, the sensor aperture 138 can be sized suchthat a finger cannot pass through the sensor aperture 138 into theinterior cavity 200 of the grip 101. Accordingly, paddle-actuatablesensors 134 within the interior cavity 200 of the grip 101 are lesslikely to be accidentally activated by user fingers, because the smallaperture size blocks the user fingers from engaging thepaddle-actuatable sensors 134.

In the depicted implementation, the plurality of pivots 126 and theplurality of paddle-actuatable sensors 134 are arranged such that eachpaddle-actuatable sensor 134 is positioned closer to a hand portion thana corresponding pivot 126. For example, the paddle-actuatable sensors134A and 134B may be positioned closer to the left-hand portion 102 thanthe pivots 126A and 126B. Likewise, the paddle-actuatable sensors 134Cand 134D may be positioned closer to the right-hand portion 104 than thepivots 126C and 126D. Such an arrangement may cause a paddle accessory128 that is removably affixed to a pivot 126 to extend laterally fromthe pivot 126 toward a hand portion (e.g., the left-hand portion 102 orthe right-hand portion 104).

By positioning the paddle accessories 128 laterally along thefinger-side 110 of the game controller 100, the paddle accessories 128may extend towards the fingers of a user that is gripping the gamecontroller 100. Accordingly, different paddle accessories 128 havingdifferent lengths may be swapped out to accommodate different hand sizesof different users. For example, longer paddle accessories may beremovably affixed to the game controller 100 for a user having smallerhands and fingers that cannot reach as far. In another example, shorterpaddle accessories may be removably affixed to the game controller 100for a user having larger hands and fingers that can reach farther.

In the depicted implementation, anywhere from 0-4 paddle accessories maybe removably affixed to the game controller 100. The game controller 100may include any suitable number of pivot and paddle-actuatable sensorpairs in order to accommodate any suitable number of paddle accessories.Moreover, a pivot and paddle-actuatable sensor pair may be located onany suitable portion of the game controller 100. For example, in someimplementations, a pivot and paddle-actuatable sensor pair may bepositioned on the thumb-side 108 of the game controller 100 to removablyaffix a selected paddle accessory 128.

In some implementations, each of the plurality of pivots 126 may beidentically configured. Moreover, each pivot and paddle-actuatablesensor pair may be identically configured. Such a configuration mayallow for a same paddle accessory 128 to be removably affixable to anyof the plurality of pivots 126. In this way, the same paddle accessorycan be used at two or more different locations. Furthermore, thelocation of the paddle accessory can be easily changed without the useof tools.

In some implementations, the paddle-actuatable sensors 134 may includeHall Effect sensors that need not be physically contacted by a paddleaccessory 128 in order to be activated. Rather, in such implementations,the selected paddle accessory 128 inside of the sensor aperture 138moves into an actuation range of the Hall Effect sensor responsive to atouch applied to the selected paddle accessory 128 outside of the sensoraperture 138. For example, the sensor activation feature 140 may includea magnet (or another material that affects a magnetic field produced bythe Hall Effect sensor). Further, the pivot 126 may be configured toallow the paddle accessory 128 to rotate responsive to a touch beingapplied to the selected paddle accessory 128 to move thesensor-activation feature 140 towards the Hall Effect sensor in order toinfluence the magnetic field produced by the Hall Effect sensor suchthat an output signal produced by the Hall Effect sensor is affected. Inother words, the sensor activation feature 140 may cause the Hall Effectsensor to produce an activation signal without physically contacting thesensor. In another example, the sensor-activation feature of theselected paddle accessory 128 moves away from the Hall Effect sensorresponsive to a touch being applied to the selected paddle accessoryoutside of the sensor aperture 138 to influence the magnetic fieldproduced by the Hall Effect sensor such that the Hall Effect sensorproduces an activation signal.

In some implementations, the plurality of pivot rims 130 may define aplurality of mating slots 142 (e.g., 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D of FIG. 2).Each mating slot may be configured to receive a stabilization fin 144(e.g., 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D) of a selected paddle accessory 128 thatis removably affixed to a corresponding pivot 126. In particular, theselected paddle accessory 128 may rotate relative to the correspondingpivot 126 along a first axis responsive to a touch force being appliedto the selected paddle accessory 128. The mating slot 142 may be sizedto prevent the stabilization fin 144 from rotating about an axisdifferent than the first axis during rotation of the selected paddleaccessory 128. For example, the mating slot 142 may have a width that isslightly greater than a width of the stabilization fin 144. In this way,the interaction of the stabilization fin 144 with the mating slot 142may effectively prevent the selected paddle accessory 128 from twistingwhen being depressed.

Furthermore, the stabilization fin 144 of the selected paddle accessory128 may be sized to extend into the corresponding mating slot 142 evenwhen the selected paddle accessory 128 is in a default posture where notouch force is applied to rotate the selected paddle accessory 128.Further, when the selected paddle accessory 128 rotates responsive to atouch force, the stabilization fin 144 may move further into the matingslot 142 relative to when the selected paddle accessory 128 is in thedefault posture. In other words, the stabilization fin 144 may move froma first depth in the mating slot 142 to a second depth in the matingslot 142 that is greater than the first depth responsive to the touchforce being applied to the selected paddle accessory 128.

The pivot 126 may include any suitable structure configured to removablyaffix a selected paddle accessory 128 to the game controller 100. FIG. 5shows an example pivot 126A including a magnet 125 configured tomagnetically affix the paddle accessory 128A to the game controller 100.Such an implementation may be referred to herein as a magnetic pivot. Inparticular, the paddle accessory 128A may include a mounting interface202 made at least partially of ferromagnetic material to magneticallyaffix the paddle accessory 128A to the pivot 126A of the game controller100. In some implementations, the paddle accessory 128 may be a singlemetal ferromagnetic part. For example, the ferromagnetic part may beinjection-molded metal. In another example, the ferromagnetic part maybe machined from a single piece of metal. In other implementations, thepaddle accessory 128 may be an assembly of different pieces (e.g.,mounting interface and blade).

The magnet 125 may be located in the interior cavity 200 of the gamecontroller 100 as defined by the grip 101. For example, the magnet 125may be coupled to the grip 101 via pressure-sensitive adhesive. To affixthe paddle accessory 128A to the magnet 125, the paddle accessory 128Amay be inserted through the pivot aperture 132A defined by the pivot rim130A. Moreover, the stabilization fin 144A may be inserted into themating slot 142A. An example approach for manipulating the paddleaccessory 128A to affix the paddle accessory 128A to the magnet 125 isshown in FIGS. 7-9 and is discussed in more detail below.

When the mounting interface 202 is magnetically affixed to the magnet125, the paddle accessory 128A may be positioned such that thesensor-activation feature 140A extends into the sensor aperture 138A tointerface with the paddle-actuatable sensor 134A. In the illustratedexample, the sensor-activation feature 140A includes a projection, andthe paddle-actuatable sensor 134A includes a tactile switch. Inparticular, the sensor-activation feature 140A may extend from a blade204 of the paddle accessory 128 such that the sensor-activation feature140A is spaced apart from the mounting interface 202. Such aconfiguration enables the paddle accessory 128A to translate a touchforce applied to the blade 204 at an exterior 206 of the game controller100 into an actuation force applied by the sensor-activation feature140A to the paddle-actuatable sensor 134A in the interior cavity 200. Inthis way, a touch force applied outside of the pivot aperture 132A andthe sensor aperture 138A actuates the paddle-actuatable sensor 134A. Forexample, the paddle accessory 128A may rotate relative to the pivot 126Aresponsive to the touch force being applied to the blade 204, such thatthe sensor-activation feature 140A moves towards the paddle-actuatablesensor 134A and applies a suitable amount of pressure to actuate thepaddle-actuatable sensor 134A.

In some implementations, the game controller 100 may include one or moreelectrostatic discharge shields 210 (e.g., 210A, 210B of FIG. 6) toelectrically insulate internal electronic components (e.g., electroniccomponents located on the printed circuit board 122 of the gamecontroller 100) from the magnets 126 and other sources of electricalinterference. FIG. 6 shows a top view of the printed circuit board 122with the electrostatic discharge shields 210A and 210B drawn in dashedlines to reveal the plurality of paddle accessories 128 magneticallyaffixed to the plurality of pivots 126. The plurality ofpaddle-actuatable sensors 134 are positioned on an underside of theprinted circuit board 122 so that the plurality of paddle-actuatablesensors 134 may be accessible to the plurality of paddle accessories128.

FIG. 7-9 show an example approach for removably affixing the paddleaccessory 128A to the pivot 126A that includes the magnet. In FIG. 7,the paddle accessory 128A is oriented in a first position to allow themounting interface 202 to be inserted into the pivot aperture 132A. Inthe first position, the blade 204 is askew relative to the grip suchthat the blade 204 is almost perpendicular to the grip 101.

In FIG. 8, the paddle accessory 128A has been inserted through the pivotaperture 132A far enough into the interior cavity 200 for the mountinginterface 202 to clear the pivot 130A rim. Once the mounting interface202 has cleared the aperture rim 130A, the paddle accessory 128A may berotated (e.g., approximately ninety degrees) from the first position toa second position where the mounting interface 202 mates with the pivot126A to magnetically affix the paddle accessory 128A to the gamecontroller 100.

In FIG. 9, the paddle accessory 128A is oriented in the second positionwith the blade 204 being aligned to follow the contour of the grip 101(e.g., extending substantially parallel with the grip 101). In thesecond position, the stabilization fin 144A is inserted in the matingslot 142A defined by the pivot rim 130A and extends into the interiorcavity 200. Further, the sensor-activation feature 140A extends into thesensor aperture 138A to interface with the paddle-actuatable sensor 134A(not shown in FIGS. 7-9 for purposes of visual clarity). Note that thesame approach may be performed in reverse order to remove the paddleaccessory 128A from the game controller 100.

FIGS. 10-11 show the paddle accessory 128A rotating to apply anactuation force to the paddle-actuatable sensor 134A responsive to atouch force being applied to the paddle accessory 128A. In FIG. 10, thepaddle accessory 128A is in a default posture in which no touch force isapplied to the blade 204. In the default posture, the mounting interface202 aligns vertically with the pivot 126A such that the mountinginterface 202 is flush with the pivot 126A. Further, in the defaultposture, the sensor-activation feature 140A extends into the interiorcavity 200, but the sensor-activation feature 140A is spaced apart fromthe paddle-actuatable sensor 134A. In some implementations, thesensor-activation feature 140A may touch the paddle-actuatable sensor134A, but without applying enough force to cause the paddle-actuatablesensor 134A to actuate. The magnetic attraction between the pivot 126Aand the mounting interface 202 may maintain the paddle accessory in thedefault posture when no touch force is applied to the paddle accessory128A.

In FIG. 11, the paddle accessory 128A is rotated to an actuation postureresponsive to a touch input force being applied to the blade 204. In theactuation posture, the mounting interface 202 rotates relative to thepivot 126A such that the mounting interface 202 is not flush with thepivot 126A. In one configuration, in the actuation posture, thesensor-activation feature 140A extends further into the interior cavity200 relative to the default posture. In the actuation posture, thesensor-activation feature 140A presses the paddle-actuatable sensor 134Awith an actuation force sufficient to actuate the paddle-actuatablesensor 134A. When the touch input force is no longer applied to theblade 204, the magnetic attraction between the pivot 126A and themounting interface 202 may return the paddle accessory 128A from theactuation posture to the default posture. In some implementations,auxiliary springs and/or other biasing devices may be used to increase areturn force applied to the paddle accessory 128A.

FIG. 12 shows another example pivot 1200 configured to magneticallyaffix a paddle accessory 1202 to a game controller 1204. The paddleaccessory 1202 may include a mounting interface 1206 that is made offerromagnetic material magnetically attracted to the pivot 1200. Thepivot 1200 may be oriented in the game controller 1204 such that aretention interface 1208 of the pivot 1200 is oriented at approximatelya forty-five degree angle. Likewise, the mounting interface 1206 may beshaped to have an angle that cooperates with the angle of the retentioninterface 1208 to affix the paddle accessory 1202 flush with the pivot1200. Such a configuration differs from the pivot 126A and the mountinginterface 202 which has a vertical retention interface. The slantedorientation of the retention interface 1208 may adjust a range ofangular rotation of the paddle accessory 1202 towards the gamecontroller 1204. A pivot may be oriented at any suitable angle relativeto the game controller to removably affix a paddle accessory to the gamecontroller.

FIGS. 13-15 show another example pivot 1300 configured to removablyaffix a paddle accessory 1302 to a game controller 1304. The pivot 1300comprises a spring-biased hook that includes a spring 1306 and a hook1308 (shown in FIGS. 14-15). The spring 1306 may be positioned andbiased to span a pivot aperture 1312 defined by a pivot rim 1318 locatedon a grip 1316 when no paddle accessory is affixed to the spring-biasedhook 1300. In FIG. 14, the paddle accessory 1302 is oriented in a firstposition to allow a mounting interface 1310 to be inserted into thepivot aperture 1312. The mounting interface 1310 may be pushed into aninterior cavity 1314 of the game controller 1304 suitably far enough tointeract with the spring 1306. In particular, the mounting interface1310 may be inserted with enough force to overcome a spring force of thespring 1306 and bend the spring 1306 away from the pivot aperture 1312far enough to allow the mounting interface 1310 to clear the hook 1308.Once the mounting interface 1310 has cleared the hook 1308, the paddleaccessory 1302 may be rotated (e.g., approximately ninety degrees) fromthe first position to a second position where the hook 1308 mates withthe mounting interface 1310.

In FIG. 15, the paddle accessory 1302 is oriented in the second positionwhere the mounting interface 1310 mates with the hook 1308. Moreover,the spring 1306 is biased to apply the spring force to the paddleaccessory 1302 to pinch the paddle accessory 1302 against the grip 1316and removably affix the paddle accessory 1302 to the game controller1304.

The pivot 1300 may have a low profile within the interior cavity. Thepivot 1300 may be installed on the grip 1316 without adhesive. Since thepivot 1300 does not affix the paddle accessory 1302 via a magneticattraction, the paddle accessory need 1302 not include ferromagneticmaterial.

FIGS. 16-17 show another example pivot 1600 including a magnet 1603configured to removably affix a paddle accessory 1601 to a gamecontroller 1602. In particular, the paddle accessory 1601 has a mountinginterface 1604 that includes a magnet 1606 that is magneticallyattracted to the magnet 1603. The magnet 1606 may be coupled to a blade1608 of the paddle accessory 1601. By employing the magnet 1606 in thepaddle accessory 1601, the blade 1608 need not be made of ferromagneticmaterial. For example, the blade 1608 instead may be injected-moldedplastic.

In FIG. 16, the paddle accessory 1601 is oriented in a first position toallow the mounting interface 1604 to be inserted into a pivot aperture1610 defined by a pivot rim 1611 located on a grip 1612 of the gamecontroller 1602. In the first position, the blade 1608 may be askewrelative to the grip 1612. The paddle accessory 1601 may be insertedthrough the pivot aperture 1610 far enough for the mounting interface1604 to clear the pivot 1600. Once the mounting interface 1604 hascleared the pivot 1600, the paddle accessory 1601 may be rotated (e.g.,approximately ninety degrees) from the first position to a secondposition where the magnet 1606 mates with the magnet 1603 tomagnetically affix the paddle accessory 1601 to the game controller1602.

In FIG. 17, the paddle accessory 1601 is oriented in the second positionwith the magnet 1606 mated flush with the magnet 1603, and the blade1608 is aligned to follow the contour of the grip 1612. Further, asensor-actuation feature 1614 extends into a sensor aperture 1616defined by a sensor rim 1617 located on the grip 1612 to interface witha paddle-actuatable sensor 1618. Note that the same approach may beperformed in reverse order to remove the paddle accessory 128A from thegame controller 100.

FIG. 18 shows another example pivot 1800 configured to removably affix apaddle accessory 1802 to a game controller 1804. The pivot 1800 includesa socket 1806 and a spring 1808. The socket 1806 may be accessiblethrough a pivot aperture 1812 defined by a pivot rim 1814 located on agrip 1816 of the game controller 1804. In particular, the paddleaccessory 1802 includes a mounting interface 1810 having a rounded headconfigured to mate with the socket 1806. In one example, the roundedhead may be cylindrical and the socket 1806 may be a C-clamp. Themounting interface 1810 may be initially inserted into the socket 1806with enough force to overcome a spring force of the spring 1808. Inother words, the spring 1808 may be pushed aside to allow the mountinginterface 1810 to enter the socket 1806. Further, when the mountinginterface 1810 is fully inserted into the socket 1806, the spring 1808may apply a spring force to the mounting interface 1810 to affix thepaddle accessory 1802 to the game controller 1804. The rounded mountinginterface 1810 and the socket 1806 may collectively form a hinge aboutwhich the paddle accessory 1802 may rotate.

In other such implementations, the spring 1808 may be replaced byanother fastener. For example, such fastener may include a snap, anelastic member, temporarily deformable resilient material (e.g., foam orrubber), or another type of fastener.

FIG. 19 shows another example pivot 1900 configured to removably affix apaddle accessory 1902 to a game controller 1904. The pivot 1900 includesa socket 1906, a first magnet 1908, and a second magnet 1910. The firstmagnet 1908 may be positioned to generate a magnetic field in the Xdirection, and the second magnet 1910 may be positioned to generate amagnetic field in the Y direction. The socket 1906 may be accessiblethrough a pivot aperture 1912 defined by a pivot rim 1914 located on agrip 1916 of the game controller 1904. The socket 1906 may be sized orotherwise configured to accommodate a mounting interface 1918 of thepaddle accessory 1902. The mounting interface 1918 may have a roundedhead configured to mate with the socket 1906. In one example, therounded head may be cylindrical and the socket 1906 may be a C-clamp. Inone example, the socket 1906 may be configured to be temporarilydeformable responsive to insertion of the mounting interface 1918 withan insertion force great enough to temporarily deform the socket 1906.

Further, the mounting interface 1918 may be made at least partially offerromagnetic material that is magnetically attracted to the firstmagnet 1908 and the second magnet 1910. In particular, when the mountinginterface 1918 is inserted into the socket 1906, the first and secondmagnets 1908 and 1910 generate a collective magnetic field that affixesthe paddle accessory 1902 to the game controller 1904. The roundedmounting interface 1918 and the socket 1906 may collectively form ahinge about which the paddle accessory 1902 may rotate.

In other such implementations, the first magnet 1908 and the secondmagnet 1910 may be placed in other orientations. For example, one ormore of the magnets may be orientated such that the pole of the one ormore magnets may be substantially perpendicular to a central axis of acylinder of the mounting interface 1918.

In other such implementations, the magnets and the ferromagneticmaterial may be swapped. For example, the first magnet 1908 and thesecond magnet 1910 alternatively may be made of ferromagnetic material,and the mounting interface 1918 may include a magnet that ismagnetically attracted to the ferromagnetic material.

In the implementation illustrated in FIG. 19, the mounting interface1918 of the paddle accessory 1912 may be inserted into the pivotaperture 1912 a selected distance in the Y direction in order tointerface with the socket 1906 to affix the paddle accessory 1902 to thegame controller 1904. In other such implementations, the pivot 1900 maybe configured such that once the paddle accessory 1902 is inserted inthe pivot aperture 1912, the paddle accessory 1902 may be shifted in theX direction (e.g., at a diagonal angle) in order to insert the mountinginterface 1918 into the socket 1906. Once the mounting interface 1918 issecured in the socket 1906, the paddle accessory 1902 may be rotatedninety degrees to align the activation feature with the paddleactuatable sensor.

FIGS. 20-21 show another example pivot 2000 configured to removablyaffix a paddle accessory 2002 to a game controller 2004. The pivot 2000includes a socket 2006 and a magnet 2008. In particular, the socket 2006may be positioned at an exterior 2010 of a grip 2012. Further, the grip2012 includes a hand portion 2016 (e.g., corresponding to the left-handportion 102 or the right-hand portion 104 of the game controller 100)configured to be gripped by a hand. A rim 2018 located on the grip 2012defines a sensor aperture 2020. A paddle-actuatable sensor 2022 may bepositioned in an interior cavity 2024 of the grip 2012 such that thepaddle-actuatable sensor 2022 is accessible through the sensor aperture2020. In particular, the paddle-actuatable sensor 2022 may be located ona printed circuit board 2026 that is coupled to an interior side 2028 ofthe grip 2012. The sensor aperture 2020 may be spaced apart from thepivot 2000 such that the pivot 2000 is positioned closer to the handportion 2016 than the paddle-actuatable sensor.

The paddle accessory 2002 includes a blade 2032. A rounded mountinginterface 2014 and a sensor-activation feature 2030 extend from theblade 2032. To removably affix the paddle accessory 2002 to the gamecontroller 2004, the sensor-activation feature 2030 may be insertedthrough the sensor aperture 2020, and the paddle accessory 2002 may beinserted far enough into the interior cavity 2024 for thesensor-activation feature 2030 to clear the paddle-actuatable sensor2022. Once the sensor-activation feature 2030 has cleared thepaddle-actuatable sensor 2022, the paddle accessory 2002 may be rotatedsuch that the rounded mounting interface 2014 mates with the socket2006. The rounded mounting interface 2014 may be made at least partiallyof ferromagnetic material that is magnetically attracted to the magnet2008. Such a magnetic attraction may affix the rounded mountinginterface 2014 to the socket 2006. The rounded mounting interface 2014and the socket 2006 may collectively form a hinge about which the paddleaccessory 2002 may rotate.

In FIG. 20, the paddle accessory 2002 is in a default posture in whichno touch force is applied to the blade 2032. In the default posture, thesensor-activation feature 2030 is spaced apart from thepaddle-actuatable sensor 2022. In some implementations, thesensor-activation feature 2030 may touch the paddle-actuatable sensor2022, but without applying enough force to cause the paddle-actuatablesensor 2022 to actuate. The magnetic attraction between the magnet 2008and the rounded mounting interface 2014 may maintain the paddleaccessory 2002 in the default pressure when no touch force is applied tothe paddle accessory 2002.

In FIG. 21, the paddle accessory 2002 is rotated to an actuation postureresponsive to a touch input force 2034 being applied to the blade 2032.In the actuation posture, the mounting interface 2014 rotates relativeto the socket 2006. Further, in the actuation posture, thesensor-activation feature 2030 rotates to apply an actuation force 2036to the paddle-actuatable sensor 2022. The actuation force 2036 may besufficient to actuate the paddle-actuatable sensor 2022. When the touchinput force 2034 is no longer applied to the blade 204, the magneticattraction between the magnet 2008 and the rounded mounting interface2014 may return the paddle accessory 2002 from the actuation posture tothe default posture.

In some implementations, a rim of the pivot aperture and/or othersurfaces of the game controller configured to interact with the paddleaccessory may include a low-friction material that allows the paddleaccessory to slide into the pivot aperture and/or allows the paddleaccessory to affix to the pivot. For example, the rim around the pivotaperture may include a polished surface that differs from a texture ofan exterior surface of the game controller that may have ahigher-friction surface configured to be gripped by a hand.

In other implementations, the game controller may include a mountingplatform configured to rigidly, removably affix a paddle accessory tothe game controller. In other words, the mounting platform may not allowthe paddle accessory to pivot responsive to a touch force being appliedto the paddle accessory. Rather, the paddle accessory may be configuredto flex or deform responsive to a touch force being applied to thepaddle accessory to interact with a paddle-actuatable sensor.

FIG. 22 shows an example paddle accessory 2200 configured to beremovably affixed to a game controller having a paddle-actuatable sensorthat is positioned closer to a hand portion than a pivot, such as thegame controller 100 shown in FIG. 1. The paddle accessory 2200 includesa blade 2202 sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger. Theblade 2202 may be curved to follow a contour of a hand portion of thegame controller.

A sensor-activation feature 2204, herein depicted as a projection,extends from the blade 2202 and may be configured to selectivelyinteract with a paddle-actuatable sensor recessed within a sensoraperture of the game controller. In particular, the projection may beconfigured to extend into the sensor aperture of the game controller tointerface with the paddle-actuatable sensor when the paddle accessory2200 rotates responsive to user input.

A mounting interface 2206 may be spaced apart from the sensor-activationfeature 2204 along the blade 2202. In particular, when the paddleaccessory 2200 is removably affixed to a game controller, thesensor-activation feature 2204 may be positioned closer to a handportion of the game controller than the mounting interface 2206. Themounting interface 2206 may be configured to selectively mate with apivot of the game controller to removably affix the paddle accessory2200 to the game controller. In particular, the mounting interface 2206may be made at least partially of ferromagnetic material configured tomagnetically affix the paddle accessory 2200 to a pivot of the gamecontroller. The paddle accessory 2200 may be configured to rotaterelative to the pivot to translate a touch force applied to the blade2202 into an actuation force applied by the sensor-activation feature2204 to the paddle-actuatable sensor interior the aperture of the gamecontroller.

A stabilization fin 2208 may be positioned between the sensor-activationfeature 2204 and the mounting interface 2206. The stabilization fin 2208may be configured to extend into a mating slot of the game controller.The mating slot may be sized to prevent the stabilization fin 2208 fromrotating about an axis different than an axis of rotation of themounting interface 2206 relative to the pivot of the game controller. Inother words, interaction of the stabilization fin 2208 with the matingslot of the game controller may prevent the paddle accessory 2200 fromtwisting when being depressed by a finger of a user.

FIG. 23 shows an example paddle accessory 2300 configured to beremovably affixed to a game controller having a pivot that is positionedcloser to a hand portion than a paddle-actuatable sensor, such as thegame controller 2004 shown in FIG. 20. The paddle accessory 2300includes a blade 2302 sized and shaped for manual manipulation by afinger. The blade 2302 may be curved to follow a contour of a handportion of the game controller.

A sensor-activation feature 2304, herein depicted as a ledge, extendsfrom the blade 2302 and may be configured to selectively interact with apaddle-actuatable sensor of the game controller. In particular, theledge may be configured to be inserted into a sensor aperture androtated to be position over the paddle-actuatable sensor.

A mounting interface 2306 may be spaced apart from the sensor-activationfeature 2304 along the blade 2302. In particular, when the paddleaccessory 2300 is removably affixed to a game controller, the mountinginterface 2306 may be positioned closer to a hand portion of the gamecontroller than the sensor-activation feature 2304. The mountinginterface 2306 may be configured to selectively mate with a pivot of thegame controller to removably affix the paddle accessory 2300 to the gamecontroller. In particular, the mounting interface 2306 may be made atleast partially of ferromagnetic material configured to magneticallyaffix the paddle accessory 2300 to a pivot of the game controller.Further, the mounting interface 2306 may be rounded to selectively matewith a socket formed by the pivot. In such a configuration, the roundedmounting interface 2306 and the socket may collectively form a hingeabout which the paddle accessory 2300 rotates relative to the pivot totranslate a touch force applied to the blade 2302 into an actuationforce applied by the sensor-activation feature 2304 to thepaddle-actuatable sensor interior the aperture of the game controller.

A stabilization fin 2308 may be positioned between the sensor-activationfeature 2304 and the mounting interface 2306. The stabilization fin 2308may be configured to extend into a mating slot of the game controller.The mating slot may be sized to prevent the stabilization fin 2308 fromrotating about an axis different than an axis of rotation of themounting interface 2306 relative to the pivot of the game controller. Inother words, interaction of the stabilization fin 2308 with the matingslot of the game controller may prevent the paddle accessory 2300 fromtwisting when being depressed by a finger of a user.

Different paddle accessories may be configured differently to providedifferent gameplay experiences. For example, different paddleaccessories may have blades of different dimensions including differentlengths, widths, and curvatures. In some implementations, a blade mayinclude one or more bends and/or one or more twists relative to theportion of the paddle accessory on which the mounting interface and/orthe sensor-activation feature are located. For example, a blade may bendat 25°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, or at another angle. In another example, ablade may be twisted upwards toward the triggers or downwards toward thedirectional pad. For example, a blade may be twisted at 25°, 45°, 60°,90°, 120°, or at another angle. In another example, a blade may includea combination of one or more bends and one or more twists.

As another example, different paddle accessories may have blades havingdifferent cross-sectional shapes including circular or ellipticalshapes, angular shapes including shapes having squared-off corners, andother suitable shapes. As another example, different paddles may haveblades having different degrees of convexity or concavity. As anotherexample, different paddle accessories may have different texturesincluding smooth textures, rough textures, or other suitable textures.Some textures may be formed from different material coatings applied tothe blade. Other textures may be formed by a structure of the bladeitself.

In another example implementation, a game controller comprises a grip, arim located on the grip, the rim defining an aperture, apaddle-actuatable sensor accessible through the aperture, and a pivotspaced apart from the aperture. The pivot may be configured to removablyaffix a selected paddle accessory to the game controller and totranslate a touch applied to the selected paddle accessory outside ofthe aperture to an actuation of the paddle-actuatable sensor inside theaperture. In one example implementation that optionally may be combinedwith any of the features described herein, the grip includes athumb-side and a finger-side opposite the thumb-side. One or morefinger-actuatable controls is positioned on the thumb-side and theselected paddle accessory is removably affixable to the finger-side. Inone example implementation that optionally may be combined with any ofthe features described herein, the grip includes a hand portionconfigured to be gripped by a hand, and the paddle-actuatable sensor ispositioned closer to the hand portion than the pivot. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the grip includes a hand portion configured to begripped by a hand, and the pivot is positioned closer to the handportion than the paddle-actuatable sensor. In one example implementationthat optionally may be combined with any of the features describedherein, the pivot includes a magnet, and the selected paddle accessoryis made at least partially of ferromagnetic material configured tomagnetically affix the selected paddle accessory to the magnet. In oneexample implementation that optionally may be combined with any of thefeatures described herein, the paddle-actuatable sensor includes atactile switch, and the pivot is configured to translate a touch forceapplied to the selected paddle accessory outside of the aperture to anactuation force applied by the selected touch accessory to the tactileswitch. In one example implementation that optionally may be combinedwith any of the features described herein, the paddle-actuatable sensorincludes a Hall Effect sensor, and the paddle accessory inside of theaperture moves into an actuation range of the Hall Effect sensorresponsive to the touch applied to the paddle accessory outside of theaperture. In one example implementation that optionally may be combinedwith any of the features described herein, the selected paddle accessoryrotates along a first axis relative to the pivot responsive to the touchforce being applied to the selected paddle accessory. The rim furtherdefines a mating slot configured to receive a stabilization fin of thepaddle accessory. The mating slot may be sized to prevent thestabilization fin from rotating about an axis different than the firstaxis during rotation of the selected paddle accessory. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the grip includes a first hand portion configured tobe gripped by a hand and a second hand portion configured to be grippedby a hand. The second hand portion opposes the first hand portion. Thepaddle-actuatable sensor is positioned intermediate the first handportion and the second hand portion. The pivot is configured such thatthe selected paddle accessory is positioned to extend laterally from thepivot toward the first hand portion. In one example implementation thatoptionally may be combined with any of the features described herein,the paddle-actuatable sensor is one of a plurality of paddle-actuatablesensors. The pivot is one of a plurality of pivots. Each pivot is spacedapart from a corresponding paddle-actuatable sensor. The plurality ofpivots are identically configured such that the selected paddleaccessory is removably affixable to each of the plurality of pivots.

In another example implementation, a game controller comprises a grip,one or more finger-actuatable controls on the grip, a first rim locatedon the grip, the first rim defining a first aperture, the first aperturesized to prevent admittance of a finger through the aperture, apaddle-actuatable sensor accessible through the first aperture, a secondrim located on the grip, the second rim defining a second aperturespaced apart from the first aperture, and a pivot accessible through thesecond aperture. The pivot may be configured to removably affix aselected paddle accessory to the game controller and configured totranslate a touch force applied to the selected paddle accessory outsideof the first aperture and the second aperture to an actuation forceapplied by the selected paddle accessory to the paddle-actuatablesensor. In one example implementation that optionally may be combinedwith any of the features described herein, the grip includes athumb-side and a finger-side opposite the thumb-side, and the one ormore finger-actuatable controls is positioned on the thumb-side and theselected paddle accessory is removably affixable to the finger-side. Inone example implementation that optionally may be combined with any ofthe features described herein, the grip includes a hand portionconfigured to be gripped by a hand, and the paddle-actuatable sensor ispositioned closer to the hand portion than the pivot. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the grip includes a hand portion configured to begripped by a hand, and the pivot is positioned closer to the handportion than the paddle-actuatable sensor. In one example implementationthat optionally may be combined with any of the features describedherein, the pivot includes a magnet, and the selected paddle accessoryis made at least partially of ferromagnetic material configured tomagnetically affix the selected paddle accessory to the magnet. In oneexample implementation that optionally may be combined with any of thefeatures described herein, the pivot includes a spring biased to pinchthe selected paddle accessory against the grip to removably affix theselected paddle accessory to the game controller. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the paddle-actuatable sensor is one of a plurality ofpaddle-actuatable sensors. The pivot is one of a plurality of pivots.Each pivot is spaced apart from a corresponding paddle-actuatablesensor. The plurality of pivots are identically configured such that theselected paddle accessory is removably affixable to each of theplurality of pivots.

In another example implementation, a game controller comprises a gripincluding a first hand portion configured to be gripped by a hand and asecond hand portion configured to be gripped by a hand, the second handportion opposing the first hand portion, a paddle-actuatable sensorpositioned intermediate the first hand portion and the second handportion, and a pivot positioned between the paddle-actuatable sensor andthe first hand portion. The pivot may be configured to removably affix aselected paddle accessory to the game controller such that the selectedpaddle accessory is positioned to extend laterally from the pivot towardthe first hand portion. The pivot may be configured to translate a touchforce applied to the selected paddle accessory to an actuation forceapplied by the selected paddle accessory to the paddle-actuatablesensor. In one example implementation that optionally may be combinedwith any of the features described herein, the game controller comprisesa first rim located on the grip. The first rim defines a first aperture.The first aperture may be sized to prevent admittance of a fingerthrough the aperture. The paddle-actuatable sensor may be accessible tothe selected paddle accessory through the first aperture. A second rimmay be located on the grip. The second rim may define a second aperturespaced apart from the first aperture. The pivot may be accessible to theselected paddle accessory through the second aperture. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the paddle-actuatable sensor is one of a plurality ofpaddle-actuatable sensors. The pivot is one of a plurality of pivots.Each pivot is spaced apart from a corresponding paddle-actuatablesensor. The plurality of pivots are identically configured such that theselected paddle accessory is removably affixable to each of theplurality of pivots.

It will be understood that the configurations and/or approachesdescribed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specificembodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense,because numerous variations are possible. The specific routines ormethods described herein may represent one or more of any number ofprocessing strategies. As such, various acts illustrated and/ordescribed may be performed in the sequence illustrated and/or described,in other sequences, in parallel, or omitted. Likewise, the order of theabove-described processes may be changed.

The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel andnonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various processes,systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/orproperties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A game controller comprising: a grip; a rimlocated on the grip, the rim defining an aperture; a paddle-actuatablesensor accessible through the aperture; and a pivot spaced apart fromthe aperture, the pivot being configured to removably affix a selectedpaddle accessory to the game controller and to translate, via rotationof the selected paddle accessory when the selected paddle accessory isaffixed to the pivot, a touch applied to the selected paddle accessoryoutside of the aperture to an actuation of the paddle-actuatable sensorinside the aperture.
 2. The game controller of claim 1, wherein the gripincludes a thumb-side and a finger-side opposite the thumb-side, andwherein one or more finger-actuatable controls is positioned on thethumb-side and the selected paddle accessory is removably affixable tothe finger-side.
 3. The game controller of claim 1, wherein the gripincludes a hand portion configured to be gripped by a hand, and whereinthe paddle-actuatable sensor is positioned closer to the hand portionthan the pivot.
 4. The game controller of claim 1, wherein the gripincludes a hand portion configured to be gripped by a hand, and whereinthe pivot is positioned closer to the hand portion than thepaddle-actuatable sensor.
 5. The game controller of claim 1, wherein thepivot includes a magnet, and the selected paddle accessory is made atleast partially of ferromagnetic material configured to magneticallyaffix the selected paddle accessory to the magnet.
 6. The gamecontroller of claim 1, wherein the paddle-actuatable sensor includes atactile switch, and wherein the pivot is configured to translate a touchforce applied to the selected paddle accessory outside of the apertureto an actuation force applied by the selected touch accessory to thetactile switch.
 7. The game controller of claim 1, wherein thepaddle-actuatable sensor includes a Hall Effect sensor, and wherein thepaddle accessory inside of the aperture moves into an actuation range ofthe Hall Effect sensor responsive to the touch applied to the paddleaccessory outside of the aperture.
 8. The game controller of claim 1,wherein the selected paddle accessory rotates along a first axisrelative to the pivot responsive to the touch being applied to theselected paddle accessory, and wherein the rim further defines a matingslot configured to receive a stabilization fin of the paddle accessory,the mating slot being sized to prevent the stabilization fin fromrotating about an axis different than the first axis during rotation ofthe selected paddle accessory.
 9. The game controller of claim 1,wherein the grip includes a first hand portion configured to be grippedby a first hand and a second hand portion configured to be gripped by asecond hand, the second hand portion opposing the first hand portion,wherein the paddle-actuatable sensor is positioned intermediate thefirst hand portion and the second hand portion, and wherein the pivot isconfigured such that the selected paddle accessory is positioned toextend laterally from the pivot toward the first hand portion.
 10. Thegame controller of claim 1, wherein the paddle-actuatable sensor is oneof a plurality of paddle-actuatable sensors, wherein the pivot is one ofa plurality of pivots, wherein each pivot is spaced apart from acorresponding paddle-actuatable sensor, and wherein the plurality ofpivots are identically configured such that the selected paddleaccessory is removably affixable to each of the plurality of pivots. 11.A game controller comprising: a grip; one or more finger-actuatablecontrols on the grip; a first rim located on the grip, the first rimdefining a first aperture, the first aperture sized to preventadmittance of a finger through the first aperture; a paddle-actuatablesensor accessible through the first aperture; a second rim located onthe grip, the second rim defining a second aperture spaced apart fromthe first aperture; and a pivot accessible through the second aperture,the pivot being configured to removably affix a selected paddleaccessory to the game controller and configured to translate, viarotation of the selected paddle accessory when the selected paddleaccessory is affixed to the pivot, a touch force applied to the selectedpaddle accessory outside of the first aperture and the second apertureto an actuation force applied by the selected paddle accessory to thepaddle-actuatable sensor.
 12. The game controller of claim 11, whereinthe grip includes a thumb-side and a finger-side opposite thethumb-side, and wherein the one or more finger-actuatable controls ispositioned on the thumb-side and the selected paddle accessory isremovably affixable to the finger-side.
 13. The game controller of claim11, wherein the grip includes a hand portion configured to be gripped bya hand, and wherein the paddle-actuatable sensor is positioned closer tothe hand portion than the pivot.
 14. The game controller of claim 11,wherein the grip includes a hand portion configured to be gripped by ahand, and wherein the pivot is positioned closer to the hand portionthan the paddle-actuatable sensor.
 15. The game controller of claim 11,wherein the pivot includes a magnet, and the selected paddle accessoryis made at least partially of ferromagnetic material configured tomagnetically affix the selected paddle accessory to the magnet.
 16. Thegame controller of claim 11, wherein the pivot includes a spring biasedto pinch the selected paddle accessory against the grip to removablyaffix the selected paddle accessory to the game controller.
 17. The gamecontroller of claim 11, wherein the paddle-actuatable sensor is one of aplurality of paddle-actuatable sensors, wherein the pivot is one of aplurality of pivots, wherein each pivot is spaced apart from acorresponding paddle-actuatable sensor, and wherein the plurality ofpivots are identically configured such that the selected paddleaccessory is removably affixable to each of the plurality of pivots. 18.A game controller comprising: a grip including a first hand portionconfigured to be gripped by a first hand and a second hand portionconfigured to be gripped by a second hand, the second hand portionopposing the first hand portion; a paddle-actuatable sensor positionedintermediate the first hand portion and the second hand portion; and apivot positioned between the paddle-actuatable sensor and the first handportion, the pivot being configured to removably affix a selected paddleaccessory to the game controller such that the selected paddle accessoryis positioned to extend laterally from the pivot toward the first handportion, and the pivot being configured to translate, via rotation ofthe selected paddle accessory when the selected paddle accessory isaffixed to the pivot, a touch force applied to the selected paddleaccessory to an actuation force applied by the selected paddle accessoryto the paddle-actuatable sensor.
 19. The game controller of claim 18,further comprising: a first rim located on the grip, the first rimdefining a first aperture, the first aperture sized to preventadmittance of a finger through the first aperture, the paddle-actuatablesensor being accessible to the selected paddle accessory through thefirst aperture; and a second rim located on the grip, the second rimdefining a second aperture spaced apart from the first aperture, thepivot being accessible to the selected paddle accessory through thesecond aperture.
 20. The game controller of claim 18, wherein thepaddle-actuatable sensor is one of a plurality of paddle-actuatablesensors, wherein the pivot is one of a plurality of pivots, wherein eachpivot is spaced apart from a corresponding paddle-actuatable sensor, andwherein the plurality of pivots are identically configured such that theselected paddle accessory is removably affixable to each of theplurality of pivots.